“Fear often shows up in our lives when we are at risk of losing something—our wealth, health, reputation, position, safety, family, friends. It reveals our innate desire to protect the things in life that are important to us, rather than fully entrusting them to God’s care and control. When fear takes over, it cripples us emotionally and saps us spiritually. We’re afraid to tell others about Christ, to extend our lives and resources for the benefit of others, or to venture into new territory.”

— Joe Stowell on “I sought theLord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4).

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

—Psalm 51:10

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.(2 Cor. 5:20)

All believers are called to share the wonderful news of the saving grace of God.

The good news of Christ is too good to keep to yourself.

sheenalovessunsets:

We’ve all said at one point or another how we “don’t have time” for certain things; “Sorry I don’t have time to go out with you guys because I need to do my homework.” “Sorry I don’t have time to attend Bible study today because I have to work on my project” But the truth is, we DO have time, it’s just that, we chose the other option.

You have time to go out with your family, it’s just that you chose to prioritize working on your homework during that time. You do have time to attend Bible study but it seems that working on your project seems to be more important at that time than studying the Bible.

Pastor Peter said “You have all the time. What do you do with your time?” and that’s the real question isn’t it? You have time to read your Bible, but do you choose to spend those 20 minutes surfing the internet instead? You have time to join your family for dinner, but do you choose to stay home so you can watch your favorite series instead? Pastor Peter also said “Whatever is important (to you), you will have time for it”

What is competing with your relationship with God? It’s not the bad things in life, for sure, but the good things that take up space in your heart. Time is one thing we all value, where do you spend yours? Is it on things that matter? Is it on things that last? Ten years from now, will these things still be as important to you as they are now? Are you spending your time wisely?

God says there is a time for everything; there is enough time to work on your homework, enough time to spend with your family, enough time to spend with your friends and enough time, more importantly, to spend with Him. Being “too busy” is never an excuse. You can never be too busy for anything that is important to you.

——

I feel so passionately about this right now because I get really annoyed when people tell me they don’t have time. Tell me about being busy; I’m planning a wedding, designing things for the wedding, meeting with all kinds of wedding suppliers, working on a house, designing things for the house, meeting with all kinds of suppliers for the house, working on my business, designing new merchandise and I have a day-job too. And still I find time to attend Bible study, lead a Bible study, attend church every Sunday, join my family and my fiance’s family every week, meet with friends and the list goes on! Talk to me about being too busy and watch me roll my eyes… :|

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

—Phil. 2:3-4 (via imforgiven)

(Source: janelle-y)

adriianarenee:

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift comes from above. Down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

— Exodus 14:14

We can endure anything if we depend on God for everything.

When we feel we are losing our balance, He can help. He provides spiritual resources to help us stand. Paul says, “Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:13).

When life knocks us off our feet, we don’t have to be frustrated. With God’s strength lifting us up and God’s armor protecting us, we can still stand strong.

(Source: ourdailybread.org)

typographicverses:

Matthew 11:28 - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.